Year Book 2016

SAHPA 2016 Year Book Page 10

I’ve always talked about grate floors for easy cleaning because of my back and leg problems

but it would entail raising the loft and as I’m surrounded by houses it’s not practical. I get on

well with my neighbours. I keep my birds under strict control. My loft faces east which is ok

but north-east would have been better for full use of winter sun. Electronic timing is great for

me as I’m often hot home (watching grand-kids play sport) and often miss seeing them even

when I am home. Race day I’m a nervous wreck. My birds are flown to the perch and I put a

value on a hard day pigeon. I also look for consistency. I have some top producing hens that

have never won but were around the mark – super consistent. Any winner is good but I prefer

to do well from Derby distance onwards.

At the start I train the birds in stages. I’m not stingy with their feed so if they are not flying

well at home I look closely for the reason. I generally have 3 to 4 tosses on my own and then

onto the unit for some cover and experience to break. I have tried single-up tosses at different

times. I usually fly my birds once a day unless I feel they need more. Anything with east in it

is my favorite line. Late breds are good and I personally don’t hold them back that much –

they go with the rest. I have never tried widow-hood. I am a little harder on cocks and I’ve

had some very good results with them i.e. BOY in the SAHPA. I prefer hens for the distance

but cocks can do it – 2015 one cock to Alice Springs and placed 32

cock home), 2016

same cock to Alice Springs, 3

cock home. Head wind races are preferred.

On average my birds get from 3 to 8 races – it depends on their condition. If they have had a

bad experience they need time to get over it and if you put them back too soon they are gone.

Absolutely some birds are smarter than others and some birds although regularly on the track

don’t seem to be bothered with hawks. We should be breeding more of these!

THE WINNING WING

GENERAL VIEW OF THE LOFT

BREEDERS

SECRET WEAPON